Liquor & Gaming NSW has uncovered significant compliance failures across the online wagering industry following a comprehensive review of responsible gambling training requirements.
The regulatory campaign examined how operators were adhering to staff training obligations under the National Consumer Protection Framework, which is administered through the Betting and Racing Act 1998. The findings revealed systematic shortcomings in how wagering providers manage their training programs.
According to the regulator, multiple areas of non-compliance emerged during the investigation. Initial training programs were frequently not completed within mandated timeframes, while annual refresher courses were being overlooked by numerous operators.
The review also identified that existing staff members failed to complete required training by the March 2023 deadline, and documentation of training records proved either unavailable, inaccurate or inadequately maintained.
The financial implications for non-compliance are substantial. Individual breaches carry penalties reaching AU$11,000 (US$7,280), while corporate entities face fines up to $110,000 under current legislation. These penalties underscore the regulatory framework's emphasis on ensuring staff are properly equipped to identify and respond to problem gambling behaviors.
Moving forward, Liquor & Gaming NSW has signaled its intention to maintain heightened sector scrutiny. Online wagering providers have been directed to establish more robust systems for managing responsible gambling training obligations. The regulator warned that escalated enforcement measures may be deployed against operators found in breach of requirements during future compliance activities.
New compliance operations were announced in September to ensure that licensed venues adhere to the latest gaming harm minimisation measures
